November 2024 is considered a difficult time for the European auto market, as sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV), gasoline vehicles and electric cars all decreased significantly. The only type of vehicle that recorded an increase in sales was hybrid cars (HEV).
It is known that across the European Union (EU), new car sales decreased by 1.9%, down to 1.06 million units in November this year.
Of which, HEV cars were the most purchased, accounting for 33.2% of total new car sales. This figure is up from 27.5% in the same period in 2023. Gasoline vehicles lost their market leading position when their market share was only 30.6%.
According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), gasoline sales fell by 7.8% in November. France recorded the most significant decrease of up to 31.5%. Sales also fell by 12.3% in Italy, 5.3% in Germany and 2.3% in Spain.
While many people expected 2024 to be the year of electric vehicles, that has not happened in Europe.
Also in November this year, electric vehicle sales fell 9.5% to 130,757 units, mainly due to a 21.8% decline in Germany and a 24.4% decline in France. Currently, electric vehicles account for 15% of the market, down from 16.3% in November 2023.
In addition, diesel vehicle sales also fell 15.3%, reducing their market share from 12.3% to 10.6%. PHEV vehicle sales also decreased by 8.8%, currently accounting for 7.6% of the market.
On the other hand, an analysis of sales by car brand shows that some brands have had a better year than others.
For example, Volkswagen's sales in the January-November period in the EU increased by 2.2%, while Renault increased by 1.9% to 1,152,424 units.
Toyota is also among the best performing automakers, with a surge in sales of 12.4%.
However, Stellantis' sales fell by 7.4% and Hyundai Motor Group's sales fell by 4.4%. Several other brands also recorded significant declines, including Ford (down 17.3%), Mazda (down 6.6%) and Jaguar (down 5.9%).
